A phase II clinical trial found that adding dasatinib to letrozole therapy doubled the time before disease progression for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Progression-free survival was also improved by 10 months compared to letrozole alone.
Researchers found a significant link between the surname Brady and an increased risk of bradycardia, with patients named Brady more likely to require pacemakers compared to the general population. The study suggests that people may have a preference for careers connected to their name, influencing their health outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that even small amounts of physical activity can significantly decrease the risk of developing kidney stones. The research also discovered that consuming more than 2200 calories per day may increase the risk of developing kidney stones by up to 42%.
A study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that 37% of younger, early-stage breast cancer patients underwent unnecessary staging tests, including PET, CT, and tumor markers. Women with PPO insurance coverage and those under 35 years old were at higher risk of receiving these tests.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have identified a key gene interaction that could be harnessed to treat various cancers. The study found that forced expression of MDA-7/IL-24 stimulates SARI expression in an autocrine/paracrine loop, causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that increased physical activity can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients. The researchers discovered that each 60-minute increment in weekly physical activity was linked with a 0.5% slower decline per year in kidney function.
A new assay uses recombinase polymerase amplification to detect Chlamydia trachomatis directly from urine samples, showing high sensitivity levels and specificity. The test has the potential to be applied in numerous point-of-care settings due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
A new study suggests that people's mental representation of Republican candidate Mitt Romney's face differs based on their political persuasion. Researchers found that when presented with subtle changes to Romney's face, participants who supported him rated the images as more trustworthy and competent.
A research team has documented rarely seen pre-spawning behavior in bonefish, which should aid future conservation efforts. The study tracked a school of over 10,000 bonefish as they completed their spawning migrations in the Bahamas.
A team of researchers, including a scientist from Case Western Reserve University, have announced the discovery of a new species of fossil horse from 4.4 million-year-old deposits in Ethiopia. The newly named Eurygnathohippus woldegabrieli had three-toed hooves and grazed grasslands and shrubby woods.
Researchers discovered a narrow window of 2,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level offers the best performance enhancement compared to higher or lower elevations. This finding could help competitive endurance athletes develop effective altitude training regimens.
Researchers found elevated BACE1 activity in mild cognitive impairment patients, suggesting it may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. Increased BACE1 enzymatic activity correlated with plaque numbers and cognition status.
Randy Schekman and James Rothman, Nobel laureates in cellular vesicle transport, criticize federal research funding cuts and commercialized scientific journals. They emphasize the importance of preserving basic research and promoting alternative measures of individual research value.
The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that one in eight students took prescription opioids recreationally, while 14% reported driving under the influence of cannabis. Hazardous drinking among youth remains a concern, with 8% reporting injuries or harming others while intoxicated.
Researchers found that diabetes drugs have different effects on the hearts of men and women, with metformin improving heart function in women but worsening it in men. The study suggests that sex differences play a role in how patients respond to treatments.
Researchers found that using hot baths to raise body temperature and worm eggs to stimulate immunoregulatory factors may attenuate symptoms of autism. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the disorder, and these novel approaches could be future treatment options.
A new study published in The Lancet found that anastrozole significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a family history or other risk factors. After five years, 40 women in the treatment group developed breast cancer compared to 85 in the placebo group.
Researchers found that environmental shock can unmask cryptic genetic variations in animals, leading to adaptive advantages. The study on blind cavefish suggests an alternative mechanism of evolution distinct from natural selection and spontaneous mutations.
A team of four computer science professors is working on a project called imPACT to address essential properties for the Internet. They aim to find solutions for protecting users' privacy, ensuring accountability, and assessing trustworthiness of information and services.
Severe asthma is defined as requiring high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller medication. The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for this condition, which accounts for less than 10% of all asthmatics but has the greatest healthcare burden.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that banana plants accumulate specific toxins in infected root tissues to resist parasitic nematode Radopholus similis. The localized accumulation of defense substances inhibits further propagation of the pest, leading to its death.
A new study found that Herceptin plus Taxol is highly effective in treating lower-risk breast cancer patients, with a 98.7% success rate of being cancer-free for at least three years. The treatment had minimal side effects, with only 3.2% experiencing severe neuropathy.
A UNL-led team discovered that using small amounts of graphene oxide as a template improves carbon nanomaterials, leading to enhanced strength and other properties. The process could lower the cost of making composites significantly by requiring only small quantities of expensive nanoparticles.
Researchers have recorded GPS measurements showing West Antarctic bedrock being pushed sideways by East Antarctica's harder mantle. The movement is significant for understanding current and future ice loss on the continent. The discovery highlights extreme differences in mantle properties between East and West Antarctica.
Researchers at Tufts University found that wolfberries can increase immune system activity and protect against the flu virus in older mice who received the flu vaccine. The study suggests potential benefits for humans as well, where age-related weakening of the immune system reduces vaccine effectiveness.
Four University of Houston researchers have been elected National Academy of Inventors Fellows for their groundbreaking work in cancer treatment and materials science. The new fellows include Rathindra Bose, Dmitri Litvinov, Zhifeng Ren, and Venkat Selvamanickam, who collectively hold over 5,600 US patents.
A study from Rice University found that pregnant women face more interpersonal hostility in the job search process than non-pregnant women. Addressing stereotypes, particularly inflexibility and commitment levels, can nearly triple their chances of avoiding such treatment.
A new study has identified a highly effective treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, combining docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab. The treatment regimen demonstrates improved outcomes and a safer profile compared to anthracycline-based therapies, which are currently dominated in breast cancer treatment.
The Asia-Pacific region will see a dramatic rise in osteoporosis and related fractures by 2050, with more than half of hip fractures occurring in Asia. The report highlights the need for immediate action to reduce future costs and disability.
Dr. Richard Bruick receives the 2014 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for his work on cellular responses to maintain oxygen and iron homeostasis. His research has the potential to improve treatments for anemia, renal cancers, and iron overload disorders.
Three University of Utah Health Sciences faculty members, Carl Wittwer, Lisa Cannon-Albright, and Glenn Prestwich, have been elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their groundbreaking research and inventions. Their work has resulted in major disease-related discoveries, numerous patents, and biomedical inventions ...
A new 3-D phase contrast X-ray imaging system will help evaluate and monitor bioengineered tissues in a living body. The technique addresses limitations of conventional X-ray imaging technologies.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that chameleons change colors to convey important information during social interactions, such as territory disputes and mating. The study found that the intensity and speed of color changes can predict which chameleon will win a fight or approach an opponent.
A research group at Lund University has shown that the 'avalanche effect' theory of cancer development is not correct. Cancer cells can have over 100 chromosomes, but a single initial change does not lead to unstoppable further mutations.
A €6 million European study led by Queen's University aims to develop new diagnostics and therapies for bowel cancer. The research will investigate two major genetic factors contributing to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method to visualize high concentrations of a sodium channel protein associated with pain, potentially leading to improved pain management and treatment monitoring. The technique uses a small molecule attached to saxitoxin, which accumulates at sites of nerve damage in rats.
Research from Concordia University shows that girls in single-sex schools report feeling more pressure to act like typical girls, while those in mixed-sex schools are less likely to be victimized by their peers. This highlights the negative repercussions of not conforming to gender roles in all-girls schools.
A study analyzing 5.4 million peer-reviewed articles found that women are significantly under-represented in authorship and citations, with men dominating fields like engineering and computer science. Regional and disciplinary differences were also observed, highlighting the need to address gender disparities in science research.
Researchers at Lund University are studying the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia, specifically focusing on insulin resistance and pericyte cells in the brain. They hope to discover new biomarkers that can signal early stages of dementia in diabetes patients, allowing for potential treatment targets.
A new study found that schools with high test scores do not necessarily improve fluid intelligence skills in students. Despite raising knowledge and boosting test scores, educational practices have little impact on fluid cognitive skills such as working memory capacity and problem-solving.
A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has developed new guidelines to assist practitioners in recognizing and managing heart failure in children with undiagnosed heart disease. The guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment, which can improve heart function and increase survival rates.
A team of NYU students, led by Jeyavijayan Rajendran and Michael Sam, won the Best Student Paper award at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security. Their research developed original techniques to improve integrated circuit security through camouflaging, making it harder for attackers to reverse-engineer chips.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a mechanism controlling tics in children with Tourette Syndrome. The study found that brain changes can alter excitability ahead of voluntary movements, suggesting a potential therapy to help young people overcome tics.
Researchers found tumor-suppressing genes Rb1 and Rb2/p130 regulate fat tissue formation and function. Dysregulation can lead to overproduction of fat tissue, causing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
A study found that branched chain amino acids improved wakefulness and restored orexin neurons in mice with mild TBI, suggesting a potential dietary supplement to address sleep disturbances and cognitive problems
The NeoALTTO trial analyzed event-free and overall survival in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer. The study found improved pathologic complete response rates, which may translate to better long-term outcomes.
IceBridge collected data on many facets of Antarctic land and sea ice, including ice elevation and thickness. The mission also took measurements of sea ice in the Ross Sea, an area with comparatively little attention compared to other parts of the Southern Ocean.
Researchers identify diverse genetic risk factors for osteosarcoma in dogs, including known human cancer genes and novel findings. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential connections to human bone cancer.
Researchers have found that omitting radiotherapy in older patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer who undergo surgery and hormone therapy is a viable option, resulting in a lower rate of unnecessary treatment. The study suggests that these patients are at low risk of recurrence, making radiotherapy optional.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that decreased energy metabolism in heart cells is a significant independent risk factor for worsening heart failure. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to measure energy metabolism and found it was significantly lower in patients whose conditions worsened.
A small study found that inflating a balloon inside the artery after placing the stent increases patients' risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stroke, or heart attack. Skipping this step may be beneficial in preventing these complications.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.
A team of researchers will conduct a four-year trial comparing traditional bypass surgery with endovascular treatment for patients with critical limb ischemia. The trial aims to provide guidance on cost-effective ways to treat this devastating disorder, which affects millions of Americans.
A recent study by USC Marshall faculty explores the influence of moral preferences on ethical behavior, finding that considering others' ethics can reduce dishonesty. The research suggests that people with formalist and utilitarian moral backgrounds respond differently to third-party beneficiaries' perspectives, with formalists being l...
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that Native Americans and African-Americans with type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients aged 60 or older with type 2 diabetes and found that dementia rates were highest among these groups.
A study found that psychiatrists are increasingly refusing to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, leaving many patients without affordable mental health care options. The number of psychiatrists is also dwindling due to retirement and a lack of new medical students choosing the specialty.
Scientists at King's College London have discovered two distinct types of fibroblasts in the skin, one responsible for hair growth and the other for repairing wounds. Increasing these cells may lead to new treatments for scarring and aging-related skin issues.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has honored four journalists for their outstanding coverage of Earth and space sciences. Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have won the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism, while freelance writer Tim Folger received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in...
A new study from Duke University finds that the Chiranjeevi Yojana program in Gujarat, India, has failed to deliver on its promise of reducing infant and maternal deaths. The program, which aimed to provide free childbirth care at private hospitals, saw no statistically significant change in birth outcomes or healthcare utilization.